Gainesway Farm Owner Dies at 80

Graham Beck, owner of Gainesway Farm in Lexington, Ky., has died in London. He was 80 years old.

July 27, 2010 — Graham Beck, a South African winemaker and the owner of Gainesway Farm in Lexington, Ky., has died in London. He was 80, according to a report by Bloomberg News.

Beck is survived by his wife, Rhona, and his son Antony, who runs Gainesway Farm.

Beck purchased Gainesway Farm from John Gaines in 1989 and has been active since then in the U.S. Thoroughbred industry.

“Our industry mourns the loss of Graham Beck today,” Keeneland Association Inc. president and CEO Nick Nicholson said in an emailed statement. “He was a great businessman, competitor and horseman. He lived life to the fullest and was a joy to be around. He loved Gainesway Farm and was an incredible steward of the land. More importantly, though, he was wonderful human being who fostered great devotion and admiration among those who were associated with him. His generosity touched many and will be a significant part of his legacy. Our thoughts go out to his wife Rhona, his son Antony and their family during this difficult time.”

Gainesway Farm stallion Birdstone produced 2009 Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird and 2009 Belmont Stakes winner Summer Bird.

More information about Gainesway Farm is available at www.gainesway.com.

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